ASL | Fingerspelling Challenges | American Sign Language

IN THIS COURSE, we focus on developing students’ fingerspelling skills in American Sign Language (ASL). First, we’ll review the ASL alphabet and the four (4) fingerspelling rules. Students will learn to fingerspell common letter combinations and short words. Then, we’ll sign complete sentences which use a lot of fingerspelled vocabulary words. As we progress, the fingerspelled words and sentences will increase in difficulty. There will be many opportunities to test your fingerspelling, signing, and recognition skills throughout the course.

*** This course is designed to INCLUDE complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. Previous ASL skills are welcome but NOT required.

IN THIS COURSE:

• Students will learn to fingerspell letter combinations, full names, and lengthy vocabulary words

• Students will review the ABCs in American Sign Language

• Students will learn the four (4) fingerspelling rules in ASL

• Students will learn how to sign and understand complete sentences which include lots of fingerspelled vocabulary

• Students will race a timer as they review their fingerspelling and signing skills

• Students will learn to sign a variety of useful vocabulary words for creating complete sentences

• Students will be tested on their ability to fingerspell, sign, and understand vocabulary words and complete sentences

AFTER TAKING THIS COURSE:

• Students will understand and be able to apply the four (4) fingerspelling rules

• Students will be able to correctly sign sentences using signs and fingerspelled vocabulary words

• Students will have improved fingerspelling skills, a larger vocabulary, and more confidence

• Students will be more proficient as they continue their journey of ASL improvement

QUESTIONS:

What is the main focus of this course?

• This course focuses on developing students’ fingerspelling skills in American Sign Language (ASL). Students will improve as they learn to sign complete sentences while fingerspelling vocabulary of increasing difficulty.

Do I need to have prior knowledge or experience with ASL before taking this class?

• No. This course is designed for complete beginners without any prior knowledge of ASL. All necessary signs and skills are taught step by step in the course.

Will this course test me on what is taught?

• Yes. This course contains multiple sections of review and testing where you have the opportunity to demonstrate your ASL signing and recognition skills.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

• Hello! My name is Michael. When I was three years old, my younger brother became sick with spinal meningitis. In the process, my brother became deaf with an almost complete hearing loss. This difficult situation provided a unique opportunity for my family and I to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Unlike some deaf children, my brother was not sent away to a deaf or hard of hearing school. He grew up with us, his hearing family, and we were active in the deaf community.

• As a police officer and federal investigator, I often used ASL to communicate with and interpret for witnesses, victims, and perpetrators. I decided to create ASL courses because it’s a useful and practical skill to have. Like learning any language, it opens your mind and creates the ability to communicate with a whole new group of people.